Good things rarely last forever — a lesson that Ioana Savos learned early in her journey. In 2000, she moved to Chicago with little more than $100 in her pocket, seeking freedom and the opportunity to build a new life. When she arrived at O’Hare Airport, the person who was supposed to meet her never showed up. Left to figure things out on her own, Ioana spent her entire savings on three nights in a hotel room, which she shared with two Romanian boys she had just met. That moment of uncertainty forced her to adapt quickly, teaching her that even when comfort fades, resilience and determination can light the path forward.
Today, Ioana brings that same strength and adaptability to her work. Her mission is to create homes that reflect her clients’ unique needs and preferences while building lasting relationships founded on trust and mutual respect. Her guiding mantra, “Do your job right, and give peace of mind and happiness to the clients when you deliver the end product,” reflects her deep commitment to integrity and excellence. Ioana knows that while challenges are inevitable, the care and precision she brings to every project create a sense of stability and belonging that lasts long after the job is done.
Career Journey
Ioana’s career journey began with a bold leap of faith when she moved to Chicago in 2000, seeking freedom and the opportunity to build a new life. Arriving at O’Hare Airport with little more than $100 in her pocket, she faced immediate challenges when the person who was supposed to meet her never showed up. Forced to adapt quickly, Ioana spent her entire savings on three nights in a hotel room, which she shared with two Romanian boys she had just met. That experience taught her resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing uncertainty — qualities that would define her future success.
From those humble beginnings, Ioana began building her life through hard work and determination. Her first job was at Six Flags Great America, followed by a position as a cashier at 7-Eleven. She then transitioned into private service, working as a housekeeper at the House of Blues Hotel, a babysitter, a nanny, a personal assistant, and eventually an estate manager overseeing large properties. These roles taught her invaluable lessons in leadership, organization, and understanding client needs.
In 2007, Ioana and her husband Sebastian co-founded New Explode Construction, combining her project management expertise with his engineering background. Together, they built more than just houses — they created homes where families can thrive. Ioana’s journey from a challenging start to leading a successful business reflects her unwavering resilience, hard work, and commitment to growth and excellence.
Guiding Principles and Personal Qualities
Resilience, empathy, and vision have been the cornerstones of Ioana’s success. Her journey began with resilience — moving to a new country with minimal resources and navigating economic uncertainties taught her to face challenges head-on and always find a way to move forward. Empathy has shaped her leadership style, allowing her to understand the needs and concerns of clients, employees, and collaborators, fostering trust and building meaningful relationships. Vision has been equally critical — Ioana has consistently focused on the bigger picture, setting strategic goals for both immediate success and long-term growth. These qualities have not only helped her navigate obstacles but have also created an environment at New Explode Construction where the team feels valued and motivated to excel.
Ioana’s professional and personal life is guided by three core principles: integrity, continuous growth, and making a meaningful impact. Integrity is at the heart of her work — she builds trust with clients by staying true to her word, actively listening, and ensuring their vision is reflected in the final product. Continuous growth drives her forward; Ioana embraces new challenges, acquires new skills, and supports the development of others. Most importantly, she strives to make a meaningful impact through New Explode Construction by creating homes that provide not only physical comfort but also joy and a sense of belonging. These principles ensure that Ioana’s work remains authentic, purposeful, and impactful.
New Explode Construction
Under the leadership of Ioana, New Explode Construction has grown into a full-service construction firm known for delivering a seamless and comprehensive client experience. The company offers a wide range of services, including custom home building, renovations, additions, and design-build projects. What sets New Explode Construction apart is its ability to provide a true one-stop solution. Ioana has assembled a dedicated team of architects, designers, structural engineers, and builders to ensure a cohesive and efficient process from concept to completion. Whether transforming an outdated space or building a dream home from the ground up, New Explode Construction manages every detail with precision, delivering exceptional quality and value. Ioana’s mission is clear: to create homes that reflect her clients’ unique needs and preferences while building lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Ioana’s career has not been without its challenges. Navigating uncertainty has been one of the toughest obstacles, especially during major economic disruptions like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. These moments tested her ability to adapt and make tough decisions while safeguarding the company’s long-term success. Scaling New Explode Construction from a small operation to a full-service firm required careful planning to maintain the personalized service and high standards the company is known for. Additionally, as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Ioana has faced and overcome stereotypes, proving her expertise and earning respect through resilience and consistent excellence. These challenges have shaped her into a stronger, more focused leader whose unwavering commitment to quality and client satisfaction continues to drive New Explode Construction’s success.
Recognitions and Philosophy
Under the leadership of Ioana, New Explode Construction has earned several notable recognitions and accreditations, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. These accolades include an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, multiple Houzz Awards for client satisfaction and design, and Ioana’s personal inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who — a testament to her influence and success in the industry. As a dedicated member of Vistage, a prestigious business coaching organization, Ioana has had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, strengthening her leadership and business acumen.
Central to Ioana’s success is her guiding mantra: “Do your job right, and give peace of mind and happiness to the clients when you deliver the end product.” This principle shapes both her personal and professional life. At New Explode Construction, it means ensuring that every detail is handled with care and precision, giving clients the confidence that they are not just receiving a house — but a home that reflects their vision and brings them comfort and joy. This approach has fostered trust and left a lasting positive impact on clients and industry partners alike, reinforcing New Explode Construction’s reputation for quality and integrity.
Inspiration and Future Vision
For Ioana, inspiration begins with her father. His remarkable journey — from overcoming hardships to becoming the CEO of a bank during Romania’s communist era — has been a constant source of motivation. When Ioana decided to move to the United States with just $100 in her pocket, her father supported her wholeheartedly, encouraging her to pursue her dreams while staying true to her values. Beyond her father’s influence, Ioana draws inspiration from strong women who break barriers and persevere through challenges. She also admires Mel Robbins for her authenticity and success, which reinforce the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.
Looking to the future, Ioana envisions expanding New Explode Construction’s portfolio with larger-scale projects while diversifying into real estate investments. Her goal is to own 10 properties in the next decade, focusing on creating long-term value for the communities her company serves. Personally, Ioana is passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of women leaders in construction, empowering them to break barriers and thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. At the same time, she remains committed to balancing professional growth with personal fulfillment — prioritizing family, health, and continued self-improvement. Ioana’s vision reflects not only professional ambition but also a deep commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact.
Advice and Leadership Philosophy
For Ioana, leadership is rooted in staying true to one’s values and leading with integrity. Her advice to aspiring leaders is simple yet profound: Be resilient, invest in meaningful relationships, and stay curious. Ioana’s own journey — from arriving in the United States with just $100 to building a thriving business — is proof that with vision, hard work, and perseverance, dreams can become reality.
Ioana believes that true leadership extends beyond achieving goals; it’s about creating a positive impact on those around you and building a legacy of trust and inspiration. By remaining adaptable, staying grounded in her values, and fostering genuine connections, Ioana continues to lead by example, encouraging the next generation of leaders to pursue success with purpose and authenticity.